Division of Sheriffs earns first-ever accreditation

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The Rhode Island Division of Sheriffs, which is headed by two Johnston residents, has earned accreditation as a professional law enforcement agency for the first time in its history.

“This is a momentous accomplishment for the Division of Sheriffs,” said David M. DeCesare, a Johnston resident and former Johnston Police deputy chief who is the state’s chief sheriff. “We are honored to be recognized as an agency that meets and maintains best practices in our industry. This recognition is the culmination of many months of hard work and we are proud to stand among all the agencies that have achieved this distinction.”

Paul M. Martellini, another Johnston resident and former North Providence police chief, echoed those sentiments.

“We’re all proud of this tremendous honor that required lots of hard work,” he said.

Rhode Island State Police Col. James M. Manni recently announced the first-ever accreditation from the Rhode Island Police Accreditation Commission.

“This is a well-deserved honor that demonstrates the professionalism and dedication of the men and women who work in the Division of Sheriffs,” Manni said. “It is an important and prestigious designation because it proves that the division meets the standard of excellence required of a professional law enforcement agency in today’s world.”

Manni explained that the Division of Sheriffs includes 171 sworn members and four civilians, and it is the oldest law enforcement agency in the state dating back to 1663. The sheriffs, who the colonel notes are Rhode Island’s “first protectors,” never before sought accreditation.

“This was one of my goals when I was appointed chief six years ago,” DeCesare said. “However, it took several years to implement and/or improve policies, procedures, rules, regulations and operations to the point that the agency was prepared to seek accreditation through RIPAC.”

He said that over the past 18 months, the Division of Sheriffs has worked closely with RIPAC and its assessment team to review, implement and improve policies and procedures, management operations and support services.

“I am extremely proud of the men and women in the Division of Sheriffs for their dedication and hard work in achieving this honor,” DeCesare said. “We will strive to maintain this level of professional excellence as w move forward in service to the citizens of our state.”

The accreditation is good for three years, during which time the agency must submit annual reports attesting to continued compliance with the applicable standards under which it was accredited.

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